CVS Caremark to remove three MS drugs from 2017 formulary

8/29/2016

CVS Caremark recently announced that it will remove three MS drugs from its formulary at the start of the new year. The decision will take effect Jan. 1 and will include the removal of Avonex, Plegridy, and Extavia.

Options listed for the drugs being removed are glatiramer acetate, Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone 40 mg, Gilenya, Rebif, and Tecfidera. On a case-by-case basis, patients and their doctors can request an exception, a process that can take up to 15 business days. If the exception is denied, there is an appeals process, which can also take up to 15 business days.

Nearly 75 million people have their prescription coverage managed by CVS. According to CVS, “these formulary modifications will help reduce costs for clients and plan members.”

If you are among those on one of these drugs and are a customer of CVS Caremark, you should contact your doctor to discuss options. Do not wait until January 2017. There could be paperwork to complete in order to get the drug coverage company to approve your continuing on the therapy. This often takes time to complete and may result in a delay in receiving your medication.

If you are taking Extavia visit http://extavia.com/info/PatientSupport/go-program-resource.jsp or call 866-EXTAVIA (398-2842)

If you are taking Avonex or Plegridy visit https://www.abovems.com/en_us/home/abovems/program/support-coordinators.html or call 800-456-2255

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